[TopGlass]

I clean this big house that has a big extension on the back, now the problem I have is that the windows above this extension can only be done trad as the roof is very deep. The first time I tried walking over the roof I nearly stacked it, as the tiles are very greasy and slippery and its like walking on ice! There is alot of moss coming off the main roof of the house and landing on the extension, but I don't think this is the problem!

I'm hoping that it might dry out by the summer but the customer would like them done and I don't want to disappoint her as its a good paying job and she's very fit. 

Any ideas?

[Moderator David@stives]

If the weather is ok and it is safe do them .
At all other times you will have to leave them,it is not worth killing yourself for.
All my customers accept my decision on jobs similar to yours

[TopGlass]

The customer does understand, she told me last time I spoke to her about it that, "she would rather me clean her windows than her have to clean up my blood and brains off her patio"!

Which is fair enough!!!

There is a small airfield quite close, could it be anything to do with aviation fuel?

Daz

[windows_chepstow]

I'll probably get told off for this:

But can't you do them from the inside?  I've one like this and prior to WFP I'd climb out the window like a monkey, stand on the window sill and clean it that way. 

It probably wasn't the safest method, but definately safer than attempting to climb up a sloping roof and risking a 'Freddie Flintstone' injury.

[TopGlass]

I could do, but the customer has her own business and is quite often away! Which is a shame!

[jeff evans]

I KNOW ITS FRUSTRATING NOT TO DO THE FULL JOB BUT SAFETY HAS TO COME FIRST. IT ONLY TAKES ONE SLIP ON THAT STUFF AND ITS ALL OVER TRUST ME I BROKE MY NECK 9 YEARS AGO ON IT VERY LUCKY TO STILL BE WALKING.AND IT COST ME 6 MONTHS OF WORK.

JEFF

[Paul Coleman]

I clean this big house that has a big extension on the back, now the problem I have is that the windows above this extension can only be done trad as the roof is very deep. The first time I tried walking over the roof I nearly stacked it, as the tiles are very greasy and slippery and its like walking on ice! There is alot of moss coming off the main roof of the house and landing on the extension, but I don't think this is the problem!

I'm hoping that it might dry out by the summer but the customer would like them done and I don't want to disappoint her as its a good paying job and she's very fit. 

Any ideas?

I realise that it's easy to say from here - especially as this well paid job isn't mine - but I would be inclined to leave those windows (unless they can be done from inside as Tosh mentioned).  I take the view that if I lose a job because the customer finds someone else who is prepared to risk their neck, then they're not someone I would wish to work for anyway.  It does sound like she would accept you not doing those windows.  Could they be cleaned from outside if you had a longish angled section on the end of the pole - even if that meant cleaning them by guess work (i.e. out of sight)?  I have a couple of jobs like this and they turn out reasonable - though obviously not as good as if you can view the windows while you work.

[TopGlass]

To be honest, if I can't clean those windows to my usual high standards then I'd prefer not to clean them at all, and I wouldn't risk going on that roof again, I value my life to much!

Thanks for your advice though!

Daz

[Paul Coleman]

To be honest, if I can't clean those windows to my usual high standards then I'd prefer not to clean them at all, and I wouldn't risk going on that roof again, I value my life to much!

Thanks for your advice though!

Daz

Sure thing Daz.  I take your point about maintaining standards.  I would only work the way I described if I pre-warned the customer that the degree of difficulty might affect the quality.  I suppose it's a trade off really; being able to give a "better than nothing" job vs. personal safety.  I also have some jobs where some windows just can't be done at all.  Even if I had a cherry picker, the access isn't there.

[dai]

I used to have a job like that. I bet it's a north facing roof. That lichen stuff that grows on them is lethal when it's damp. Go on a nice sunny day and it's a different story. Got rid of all my heart in mouth jobs. If I can't get it with the pole I leave it. Only got one life. Dai

[jeff evans]

luckly at the time i broke my neck i was in partnership
with my brother and we had two lads working for us
so the did not suffer.but my pocket did

jeff.

[mark dew]

I have several roofs to climb on some bigger country houses to get to the odd window or velux (?) skylight type.
I can only get a grip on them when the ground is bone dry and the soles of my shoes are clean.

I haven't been able to do them this winter. With the customers blessing.
Though last winter i struggled doing them.

Am sure your customer would understand if you left them for now.
But if she's that fit, do as dai.
Go on a sunny day and leave it as late in the day as possible.
 

[Richard Ivy]

What none of you are thinking is of the opportunity to clean the greasy roof.

This is a great way to ensure (almost) your safety when doing the windows AND making some extra £WONGA.

[Grafters Cleaning Services]

regardless of wether the lady is FIT or it being well payed
if it's dangerous then keep off it

no fit lady or any ammount of cash is worth risking your life over

remember your a long time dead (i'm sorry to say)

[genesis_windows]

What none of you are thinking is of the opportunity to clean the greasy roof.

This is a great way to ensure (almost) your safety when doing the windows AND making some extra £WONGA.

my thoughts exactly.
how about qouting to pressure wash the roof off and then see what happens?
maybe throw a handfull of sand over it afterwards for added grip?.
but like everyone else has said- its not worth your life or health.
you dont get paid enough to die.............

[Stephen@Belper]

Hi there
you should take a look at this link      http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc613.pdf
It will take you to the HSE site with guidance notes for window cleaners. It actualy tells you what you should do about such a situation as yours on p4. Ladders should always be the last resort according to the HSE. Hope it helps!

[jon adams]

its simple if you got it about you, just get on with it and walk on the roof if you start sliding down when you get to the gutter jump off, Easy, ive fallen 4 times and havent hurt myself yet. my oppo can even slide down the roof backwards and still land on his feet. But if youre not up to it keep your feet on the ground as these are the people that get hurt.

Jon

[chris@c.m.s]

its simple if you got it about you, just get on with it and walk on the roof if you start sliding down when you get to the gutter jump off, Easy, ive fallen 4 times and havent hurt myself yet. my oppo can even slide down the roof backwards and still land on his feet. But if youre not up to it keep your feet on the ground as these are the people that get hurt.
Jon

Hmmmm could be painfull if there growing tomatoes below I hate bamboo canes 

[rosskesava]

its simple if you got it about you, just get on with it and walk on the roof if you start sliding down when you get to the gutter jump off, Easy, ive fallen 4 times and havent hurt myself yet. my oppo can even slide down the roof backwards and still land on his feet. But if youre not up to it keep your feet on the ground as these are the people that get hurt.

Hi Jon

I find that beyond belief. That is very irresponsible but I guess when or if any injury happens, it will happen to you.

There is nothing bravado about doing that or anything remotely heroic or even sensible.

The body can absorb some suprising levels of shock but land a bit wrong, or get it wrong or time it wrong or land on your head or anything.....

I was a H & S rep on the railways before w/c'ing and when I used to read (or be involved in as a rep) some of the accidents and stupid things people do, it used to amaze me that some take such silly risks thinking it will never happen to them.

But if youre not up to it keep your feet on the ground as these are the people that get hurt

Yeah... right.. sure.

Hi Top Glass

Is that the gherkin?

Cheers

[TopGlass]

I did say to the customer that I'd look into how to go about cleaning the roof, so yeah there is some potential to earn some extra cash!

Jon, I think i'll leave the roof sliding to you

Cheers guys

Daz